Five of the best: artisan breweries

Brouwerij Brand

Limburg w brand.nl. The country’s oldest brewery turns out a limited range of dark and blond beers plus a particularly tasty, cherry-coloured Dubbelbock.

Brouwerij Emelisse

Kamperland w emelisse.nl. Distinctive stuff – try their Imperial Russian Stout.

Brouwerij de Koningshoeven

Tilburg. The Netherlands only Trappist brewery produces several strong dark ales, notably La Trappe Quadrupel. Distributed by the country’s second largest brewer, Bavaria (w bavaria.com).

Brouwerij de Molen

Amsterdam w brouwerijdemolen.nl. Several good brews from this discrete little brewery – look out for their Hemel & Aarde (Heaven & Earth).

Limburg w gulpener.nl. Burgeoning brewery noted for its tasty lagers made from prime ingredients; their Gulpener Oud Bruin is an especially tangy dark ale.